Ban on German Traders.

This report was also published in the New York Times on the 12th May 1915, and covers the Anti-German boycott that faced even ‘naturalised enemies’ at London Markets and on the Stock Exchange.

It also talks about the Anti-German march that took place. “There were scenes of great enthusiasm when the object of the procession became known and all the way to Westminster vast numbers joined in the March, women as well as men taking a prominent part in the ranks.” With everybody joining in a ‘free for all’ against anything German.


Ban on German Traders

Germans Barred from Trade in Markets of Covent Garden and Smithfield, Royal Exchange Ban, Too.

A boycott against all German buyers and their agents has been declared by meat traders at Smithfield. The decision applies whether the Germans are naturalized British subjects or not. Larger printed cards bearing the words “No business transacted with Germans” have been displayed along avenues of stalls in the market. The question is being dealt with by a committee of traders, one of whom stated yesterday:

“It was felt we should follow the lead which was given by the stock exchange and the result is that nearly every trader has applied the ban. The only ones who have not yet done so are a few Americans and Dutch salesmen.”

When a few Germans attended at the market yesterday they got such a hostile reception from the porters that they hastily cleared out. The carters are stated to be determined not to deliver meat at shops of Germans.

A similar boycott against alien enemies is in force at Covent Garden Market. One of the leading dealers stated in an interview yesterday:

“We are tolerating no Germans here now. We have not a singe German salesman in the market, nor have we any German Buyers. They know we would not tolerate them. Every salesman, especially in the fruit market, has been dead against the Germans since the war broke out.”

The following notice was posted in the Royal Exchange yesterday:

“In view of the terrible atrocities recently perpetrated by Germany, it is especially requested that Austrians and Germans even if naturalized, will please abstain from being present at meetings held on “Change Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Last night about 200 members of the Stock Exchange formed a procession in front of the Royal Exchange and marched via King William Street, London Bridge and the south side of the Thames to the Houses of Parliament to demand the internment of all Germans. A second procession was piloted by the way of the Embankment. There were scenes of great enthusiasm when the object of the procession became known and all the way to Westminster vast numbers joined in the March, women as well as men taking a prominent part in the ranks.

Official Action Sought

A lobby correspondent writes that various members who had taken part in the meetings went on to the House of Commons at about 8 o’clock. They first asked to see Sir Henry Dalziel, who conferred in the Central Hall with a deputation of four, two of whom were Freemen of the City. They represented that the feeling against the aliens was rising fast in the city and expressed their belief that if something further were not done there would be a riot and perhaps murder in London. Very shortly after they asked that every German, Austrian and other enemy alien, naturalized or otherwise, should be interned for the period of the war.

Some members of the deputation said that unless or until this was done, an attempt would be made to stop recruiting and that an organisation was being formed to advise this, but on this point there was a division of opinion. Sir Henry said he was strongly in favour of stricter measurers being taken and believed the Government would be obliged to take this view. He promised to raise the matter on he motion for adjournment of the House, according to Exchange members.

A message on the subject is to be brought prominently before the notice of the public. The Lord Mayor, it is said, has offered the use of Mansion House for a public meeting on the subject tomorrow. Protest meetings will probably be held in many parts of London and the city.

Deputation also saw Sir John Simon in his private room and made similar representations to him. It was stated that those who had taken a prominent part in the movement were representatives of the Stock exchange and the metal, rubber and timer industries.